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It’s now official — Barcelona have once again been crowned La Liga champions, and the outcome felt almost inevitable. The league leaders only required a single point to clinch the title, but the fixture list offered them a grand opportunity to do so against Real Madrid in El Clasico at Spotify Camp Nou. However, Hansi Flick’s men showed no intention of settling for a draw against a struggling Madrid side in crisis. Within just 20 minutes, Barcelona had completely dismantled their arch-rivals and effectively sealed the championship.

The result carried an air of predictability, as the energetic Blaugrana faced off against a Real Madrid outfit that had seemingly surrendered weeks earlier in the title race. The hosts took control early, and it took only nine minutes for Marcus Rashford to deliver a spectacular moment. The English forward struck a wicked free-kick that dipped over Thibaut Courtois and nestled into the top corner, leaving the Belgian goalkeeper helpless.

Barcelona smelled blood and doubled their lead soon after through another individual masterpiece. Dani Olmo executed a deft volleyed backheel flick to set up Ferran Torres, who calmly slotted home to make it 2-0. Madrid were completely rattled, and if not for a crucial save from Courtois on Rashford’s angled shot, the visitors could have been three goals down before the break.

Although Courtois continued to save Madrid from further embarrassment in the second half, the night still ended in humiliation for Los Blancos. Their build-up to the season’s biggest fixture had already been marred by internal conflicts — including a heated incident that left Fede Valverde hospitalised with a head injury. It was a disastrous end to their campaign, capped off by the ultimate insult: watching Barcelona lift the trophy in front of them.

Here’s a breakdown of the winners and losers from Spotify Camp Nou as the La Liga title remains firmly in Catalonia...

WINNER: Hansi Flick

Few victories could have been more deserved for the German manager. From the moment Hansi Flick took charge, his Barcelona side have been electric. He transformed a possession-based team that once looked uninspired into a thrilling, high-tempo attacking force.

This performance was arguably one of the best of the season. Despite injuries and a thin squad — with no Lamine Yamal, minimal contribution from Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski starting on the bench — Barcelona looked unstoppable. Adding to the emotional weight of the occasion, Flick was managing just hours after the passing of his father, making this triumph even more remarkable. With back-to-back La Liga titles now secured, and Real Madrid looking directionless, a third title in 2026-27 looks well within reach. Flick’s contract runs until 2028, and the club couldn’t be happier with their leader.

LOSER: Alvaro Arbeloa

It’s hard to know what more Alvaro Arbeloa could have done. The Spaniard was handed an almost impossible task — to inspire a disjointed squad that appeared unwilling to fight for anyone. Arbeloa stuck to his usual plan: field his best names and hope individual brilliance would turn things around. But it didn’t work.

Throughout the match, Arbeloa looked more like a spectator than a coach, powerless to influence proceedings as his team unraveled. To his credit, he has repeatedly accepted responsibility, but this disastrous campaign is not solely on him. Real Madrid appear broken from within — wounded, outclassed, and lacking leadership. On Sunday night, Arbeloa could do little more than watch helplessly as the inevitable unfolded once again.

WINNER: Marcus Rashford

With questions swirling about his long-term future and whether Barcelona would activate their €30 million (£26m/$35m) option to sign him permanently from Manchester United, Marcus Rashford delivered a response of the highest order on club football’s grandest stage.

Deployed on the right wing — an unorthodox position for him — Rashford was electric from the start, tormenting Madrid left-back Fran Garcia. His unorthodox free-kick, whipped across the face of Courtois’ goal and into the top corner, was a masterclass in precision and power. It showcased both his intelligence and his renowned striking ability.

With four goals and one assist in his last six league outings, Rashford’s form could not have peaked at a better time. This stellar performance in El Clasico strengthens his case for a permanent deal — an appealing option for Barcelona’s financially constrained boardroom.

LOSER: Kylian Mbappe

Even before kickoff, one major name was missing from the El Clasico lineup — Kylian Mbappe. The French star failed to recover from a hamstring injury in time for the crucial game, leaving Real Madrid without La Liga’s leading scorer.

To make matters worse, reports surfaced that Mbappe had chosen to holiday in Italy with his girlfriend Ester Exposito instead of continuing his rehabilitation at the Valdebebas training facility. This followed a reported dispute with a member of Madrid’s backroom staff. Although he returned to training briefly after missing the April 24 clash against Real Betis, he was still deemed unfit to play. Given the growing tension within Los Blancos, this controversy is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

WINNER: English Football

One of the fascinating subplots of this El Clasico was the strong English presence. For the first time ever, three English players — Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Jude Bellingham, and Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid) — started in what is arguably the world’s most prestigious club fixture.

This moment highlights the exceptional quality of English talent in recent years. England manager Thomas Tuchel would have undoubtedly been watching closely, and Rashford’s standout performance will not have gone unnoticed.

LOSER: Fede Valverde

Fede Valverde’s absence was another major blow for Real Madrid. The Uruguayan midfielder was ruled out days before kickoff after becoming embroiled in a disturbing dressing room incident involving teammate Aurelien Tchouameni. Reports claim Valverde sustained a head injury after “accidentally hitting a table” at the club’s Valdebebas base, though he denied any physical altercation took place.

Regardless of the details, concussion protocols prevented him from participating in this vital match — even if Real were only playing for pride at this stage. His absence further underscored the chaos within Madrid’s camp as Barcelona celebrated a title-clinching win in front of their home fans.